Here is a simple, tradition-safe way to take Pachkhan (Pachchakkhan) for eating before sunrise, only when truly necessary (illness, medicine, travel, pregnancy, elderly). By default, Jain Shravaks/Śrāvikās do not eat or drink between sunset and sunrise. Use this exception sparingly and with care.

How to take it

• Take the vow in front of Jina idol or facing north/east, with folded hands.
• Keep it specific: one date, one purpose, one time window.
• Arrange proper light; use only simple, previously-prepared food; use only boiled-and-filtered water.

Sample Pachkhan (English) “With devotion to Arihant, Siddha, Āchārya, Upādhyāya and Sādhu, I take a limited Pachkhan for today due to [state reason: illness/medicine/travel]. I will take [only medicine/only light food and boiled water] before sunrise, once, between [time] and [time], under proper light, without harming living beings. After this time, I will resume my vow of not eating or drinking until sunrise-sunset discipline as usual. Michchhāmi Dukkaḍaṁ.”

Sample Pachkhan (Gujarati) “અરિહંત-સિદ્ધ-આચાર્ય-ઉપાધ્યાય-સાધુ ભગવાનના આશિર્વાદથી, હું આજે [કારણ: દર્દી/દવા/પ્રવાસ] કારણે મર્યાદિત પચ્ખણ લેું છું. હું સૂર્યોદય પહેલાં [ફક્ત દવા/હલકું જમણ અને ઉકાળેલું પાણી઼] એક વખત [સમય] થી [સમય] દરમિયાન, યોગ્ય પ્રકાશમાં, જીવહિંસા ટાળીને લઈશ. આ સમય પછી હું મારી રાત્રિભોજન-ત્યાગની પ્રતિજ્ઞા પૂર્વવત્ પાળશો. મિચ્છામિ દુક્કડં.”

Short traditional opening (optional, as per Śvetāmbara usage) “Icchāmi khamā-samanaṁ, āyariya-uvajjhāe-sāhūṇaṁ sammukhe, pachchakhāṇaṁ karemi…”

Important conditions

• Health-first but minimum harm: only what is necessary (often just aushadhi/medicine with sips of boiled, filtered water).
• Proper light; no cutting/chopping at night; avoid green/raw items at night; keep it very simple.
• End the Pachkhan at the stated time; then continue your regular discipline.

Digambar and Śvetāmbara note

• Both traditions uphold strict “no night-eating.” Limited exceptions for aushadhi/illness are accepted with a time-bound Pachkhan taken respectfully. Local phrasing and details may vary by your Guru/tradition; follow your sangh’s guidance.

For ready references on related Pachkhan practices:

• Chovīhār (no food/water/medicine after sunset) Pachkhan
• Tivihār/Tivihar Pachkhan (night restrictions)
• Q&A on raat ka poshad (night-eating restraint)

If possible, take this Pachkhan from a Guru; otherwise, do it facing the Jina with clear intention and keep it strictly time-limited. Michchhāmi Dukkaḍaṁ.